German word

schrittweise

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃʁɪtˌvaɪ̯zə/

Meaning

  • adverbgradually

Example

Die Qualität verbessert sich schrittweise.

The quality is gradually improving.

Illustration for schrittweise (gradually)

More examples

Die Maßnahmen zielen darauf ab, die Infrastruktur schrittweise auszubauen.

The measures aim to gradually expand the infrastructure.

Core concept

A path built by placing one small section after another until the whole route is complete.

Common phrases

  • schrittweise verbessern

    gradually improve

  • schrittweise ausbauen

    gradually expand

Similar words

nach und nach: Little by little, following a sequence of stages.
allmählich: Gradually over time, with change happening slowly.
zusehends: Increasingly in a way that becomes clearly noticeable.

Definition in German

Ausdrückt, dass etwas in kleinen Schritten und über die Zeit hinweg verändert oder erledigt wird.

Word origin

The word is formed from German Schritt, "step," and -weise, a suffix meaning "in the manner of," so its form refers to proceeding by steps.

Usage tips

  • Schrittweise is neutral for gradual change, while "Schritt für Schritt" more strongly highlights the individual sequence of actions.

Other meanings

  • step by stepadverb
  • little by littleadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word